PuroClean of The Big Island Honors Our Heroes with a Weekend of Service and Celebration

In The Community

The spirit of aloha and gratitude was alive and blazing this Veterans Day weekend as PuroClean of The Big Island rolled up its sleeves — and its flags — to honor our nation’s heroes! From the heart of Hilo to the heights of the volcano, the team brought energy, pride, and plenty of smiles in celebration of those who serve and protect our freedom.

The weekend kicked off bright and early Saturday morning with the Hilo Veterans Day Parade, a beloved community tradition that fills the streets with red, white, and blue. The PuroClean crew showed up in full force — walking proudly alongside two decked-out vehicles flying flags from every branch of the U.S. military. The sound of cheers, laughter, and music filled the air as our team marched to show appreciation for the veterans and active-duty service members who call Hawai‘i home.

We were beyond grateful to be joined by the amazing parents, faculty, and students of St. Joseph School, who brought contagious enthusiasm and school spirit to every step of the parade route. Their bright smiles and helping hands made the morning extra special — truly embodying the sense of community that makes Hilo shine.

Adding even more sparkle to the celebration were Zaira Hahn and Olga Lehua, our very own Miss Hawai‘i Island’s Teen 2025, who performed and sang their hearts out the entire way! Their voices soared over the crowd, filling downtown Hilo with joy and aloha. Mahalo, ladies, for lifting spirits and helping make the parade one to remember!

Olga Lehua, Miss Hawai’i Island’s Teen 2025, and friend Zaira performing

But the PuroClean team wasn’t done yet — not even close. On Sunday morning, before the sun even had a chance to warm the island, part of our crew headed up the volcano to Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) — the U.S. military’s largest training camp in Hawai‘i, nestled between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. PTA serves as a vital joint training ground for all branches of the armed forces, and right now, more than 1,050 troops are stationed there for exercises and operations.

Joining forces with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at the USO, our team helped feed the hardworking soldiers from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, who came from across the islands and the mainland. The atmosphere was full of laughter, camaraderie, and the comforting smell of home-cooked food.

VP of Operations, Gregory Arianoff, grilling up cheese sandwiches

Our VP of Operations, Gregory Arianoff, fired up the griddles and served up delicious, golden-brown grilled cheese sandwiches, while the ladies baked fresh cookies and ladled out steaming cups of tomato soup. Together, we created a little taste of home for the men and women far from theirs.

Employee Experience Manager, Kimberly Arianoff, and Administrative Specialist, Olga Lehua, are baking fresh cookies for the soldiers

The highlight of the day? Watching Miss Hawai‘i Island’s Teen, Olga Lehua, walk through the USO with a tray of warm cookies, sharing aloha — and sweet treats — with every soldier she met. The smiles, handshakes, and heartfelt thank-yous were reminders of why we do what we do.

At PuroClean of The Big Island, we’re beyond proud and deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our veterans and active-duty military members. This weekend wasn’t just about honoring them — it was about standing alongside them, sharing food, laughter, and aloha.

From the parade streets of Hilo to the mountain base at Pōhakuloa, our message is simple: We see you, we thank you, and we’re honored to serve you. Until next time — PuroClean of The Big Island salutes you all!

#purocleanofthebigisland #veterans #merica